Goodes later revealed the girl had called him to apologise. He tweeted: "Just received a phone call from a young girl apologizing for her actions. Lets support her please #racismitstopswithme #IndigenousRound."

"I didn't mean it in a racist way and I'm sorry to the club and the AFL," she said.

Goodes, one of the sport's most decorated indigenous players, stopped play to point out the girl to security staff following the offensive comment and she was later escorted from the ground by security staff.

Goodes said the fan's offensive remarks had shocked him.

"I was just like, really? Wow could that happen?"

"I don't know if it's the lowest point in my career, but personally I've never been more hurt.

Magpie defender Ben Reid, who’s brother Sam is a teammate of Goodes, said: "I saw Jolls pointing at the crowd or whoever it was and it's not acceptable and that person who said something to Goodesy should probably have a good hard look at themselves.”

Former Sydney coach Paul Roos said Goodes "was not one to jump at shadows" on Fox Footy after the match.

Not to assume the worst but to disrespect a legend on indigenous round is appaling.shameful she's only young too #fixuplooksharp#respect

Jack Riewoldt said he was "sitting on the couch really flat’’ after the incident.

West Coast’s Nic Naitanui tweeted: "Not to assume the worst but to disrespect a legend on indigenous round is appaling.shameful she's only young too.’’

Readers and footy supporters also reacted strongly to the incident, taking to our comments page and Twitter, most condemning the racial slur.

Sydney reader “Kitty of Paddington” suggested “Collingwood should have O'Brien and indigenous players, Krakouer, Ugle or Yagmoor speak to the girl who allegedly vilified Adam Goodes, to explain exactly what it is like to be taunted by racist abuse! Whether it is AFL Indigenous round or not, to revile anyone because of race, sex or creed is offensive! As a Geelong supporter, I'm so proud of Joel Selwood's Tweet, supporting Goodes."

Point Cook’s Deb summed up the views of many when praising Adam Goodes "for the remarkable way you handled this".

"You are a champion in every way and you have everyone backing you.Thank you to Eddie McGuire for his apology and support."

Others believed it was education and not condemnation that was called for.

"Just maybe there should be an olive branch and the young lady concerned can walk with the indigenous people in the Long Walk to the MCG tonight as a gesture of reconciliation. Makes more sense than banning her from the footy and she might just learn something," “Barney Jack of Sunshine North”, wrote. - with Sam Landsberger

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